Frangipani (Plumeria)
Frangipani (genus Plumeria) is native to tropical and sub-tropical America. However today it is most widely recognised as associated with Hawaii, via the lovely leis. A garden or room can be transformed into a tropic oasis by the clever use of frangipani.
Frangipani can be propagated by taking a cutting in Spring when the stem tip is lifeless, allowing the cutting to dry, and then inserting into soil. Commercial propagation is often performed via tissue culture.
The perfumed blossoms will bring a sweet, tropical aroma to any garden or room, particularly in the evenings.
Although a sub-tropical plant, it can be grown successfully in cooler climates. In regions prone to frost, the plant can be stored indoors in a pot or even a garbage bag.
Frangipani are relatively slow growing, taking several years to mature. The stems are also quite brittle and easily damaged. Be careful to avoid contact with the milky sap as it may cause skin irritation.
Frangipani at Better Homes & Gardens
Frangipani, Plumerias and More, Plumeria at HGTV
Plumeria at National Gardening Association
Books:
The Handbook on Plumeria Culture by Richard Eggenberger, Mary Helen Eggenberger
The Exotic Plumeria, a pictorial, Volume 1 by Alan W. Bunch
Growing Plumerias in Hawaii by Jim Little
In Your Garden:
Do you have frangipani in your garden? If you do, we’d love to hear from you about your experiences with this iconic tropical plant.
March 23rd, 2007
i love frangipanis
i have 7 trees @ home
April 21st, 2007
I keep my blood red frangipani inside during the winter as we have the odd thick frost. My huge white one lives with lots of palms and gardenias in a sheltered but warm (in the summer) site. To me it would not be summer without the fragrance of frangipani.
July 30th, 2007
I HAVE BEEN GROWING PLUMERIA NOW FOR APPROXIMATLY 15 YRS. I LIVE IN THE NEW ORLEANS AREA AND HAVE HAD GREAT SUCCESS IN GROWING AND CULTIVATING FROM SEED AND CUTTINGS HUNDREDS OF PLANTS OF MANY COLORS. I GOT HOOKED ON THE PLANTS SIMPLY FROM THE DIFFERENT FRAGRANCES THEY EMIT. I PLAN ON VISITING HAWAII IN THE SPRING. {5TH TRIP TO THE ISLANDS} WILL PROBABLY BRING BACK COLORS THAT I DO NOT HAVE AT THIS TIME. THIS A HOBBY THAT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE.
October 21st, 2007
I have not had any luck with frangapanis all my time living in the west, 31 yrs, although they are and can be very beautiful, i seem to be losing them, i know mostly to the frosts, we had seven and they all died.
I have one still hanging on just by its thread, and yes we do cover them a little in the frosts.
we even bought some really tropical new types from the nursery, but alas we lost them as well.
ah well, i have other type of trees and flowers that i adore, so i am not so unlucky.
August 3rd, 2008
I received a cutting of a frangipani back in 1994. I carried it around all day in a “fanny pack” and potted it when I got home. I have given so many “babies” from that plant and continue to grow them. I bought one at a nursery 6 years ago and it has never bloomed. The one I received in 1994 and all of it’s progeny blooms every year (it is yellow). The one I bought is allegedly a pink one. What am I doing wrong?